I'm not going to lie to you. This will clearly not happen in two seconds.
The focus right now is on what's scary, what goes wrong and how it's a weakness. We need to move away from that perspective a little bit. Once we feel that it is legitimate to experience these changes as a part of life, it already greatly changes the way people see themselves and the way they feel.
The way we are raised and how we get the knowledge will directly influence our experience of things. Fortunately, all of this is now documented, much more so in terms of menstruation than menopause, by the way. I apologize, because I talk a lot about menstruation.
We know that how we learn about menstruation matters. If it's taught positively, if we value it, women's experiences will be much less painful and difficult than if our first contact with blood in our underwear, at eight or nine years old, makes us think we're going to die. I would point out that girls are getting their first periods at a younger and younger age now. This perspective has a lasting impact on the relationship we have with our menstruation. It sounds silly, but it does. Now, it is documented.
As a result, I would tend to say that it would take a collective effort to overcome the stereotypes surrounding menopause. In addition, regarding the lack of studies, it's important to know that the few that exist also point to the positive side of menopause. They talk about a certain amount of freedom, emotional control and evolving cognitive activities.
Basically, it's really a matter of upbringing. It starts young, in the perception of the way women experience our bodies, of what we will potentially experience. It can be tough, but it can also be a great adventure.
Please note that I am not here to minimize tough experiences. It may seem so, but I'm not. I'm here to remind you that everyone's experience is different and that we really need to learn from each other on this.